Often dubbed as the Giant-Killer, the Nissan GT-R has a reputation of destroying other competitors which often go for much higher prices. The rear wheels-powered Porsche 911 GT3 RS is an amalgam of state-of-the-art machinery, and the latest edition from the household Italian makers. So, we are set out for a duel of the greats, a clash of titans. But will the Porsche 911 GT3 RS just fall in line with the rest of the defeated models, or will it overcome the formidable reign of Nissan and emerge as a striking winner in this well-matched duel?

Porsche GT3 RS

The recognizable design and smooth curves of the GT3 RS are sure to turn some heads, but make no mistake, this model is far more than an eye-candy. In fact, the conspicuous huge rear wing, oversized air intakes, fender-filling wheels and tires and various other tweaks all point to the fact that you are certain to see this car on a racing track rather than a busy city street. It is actually the most track-focused 911 that Porsche currently builds and judging by the performance, it’s spot on. From the signature rear wing all the way down to the various vents, everything on this car is there for a reason and not for show. And one of the main reasons is aerodynamics. The developers have taken weight-saving measures to an extreme, aiming to produce an absolute beast on the road. The weight was reduced to 1490kg; bringing the Top Speed to a claimed 193mph. Even though it is a two-wheel drive car, the GT3 RS does not fall behind when it comes to Power (500 ps – 493 bhp / 368 kw) or Torque (480 NM – 354 lb-ft). With an acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) in a whopping 3.3 secs, the GT3 RS is a force to be reckoned with.

Nissan GT-R

Breaking boundaries when it comes to ultimate performance, price and design? You can surely count on Nissan to do just that. No matter if you’re an absolute amateur or a veteran driver, the 2017 Nissan GT-R makes anyone feel like a hero taming a wild beast once you’re behind that wheel. The tame Godzilla is packing a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6, capable of producing 565 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque. One of the key points in the new model was the improved drivability with several details designed to result in better handling and stability. As noted in the model’s description, the GT-R wasn’t designed to the demands of aerodynamics, but was rather made to become one with the flow of the air and take advantage of it. The rear fascia, side skrits and c-pillar, and front end were all redesigned and re-imagined to allow more cooling air to key components, break ducts aimed at the set of extreme low bc coilovers were fitted to the model in test. while preventing the air flow to be drawn underneath the vehicle and reducing drag. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was estimated at mindblowing 2.9 secs and the overall top speed at 191 mph. So, have they done it again, have the magicians of Nissan managed to create another unbeatable piece of machinery?

Final Verdict

On paper, the numbers all point to GT-R’s favor. However, according to a recent battle conducted by EVO, it was the Porsche 911 GT3 RS that came out as a clear winner. Perhaps it is time for Nissan to start making a smaller, lightweight version of the GTR, changing the heavy 35 chassis, in order to maintain its place in the competition. Then again, when it comes to dollar per dollar aspect, the GTR still remains as one of the top choices for most drivers. The 911 GT3 RS’ carbon body panels, placky windows and a magnesium roof all do come with a hefty price, but all the design intricacies and impeccable components result with an unyielding result on track. If you can reconcile with the fact that you’ll never be able to get even close to the machine’s limits on public roads, then the Porsche ( or the Nissan for that matter ) make a great choice. Both cars go well beyond your easy-going entertainment models, they are tamed beasts that simply beg for an occasional unleashing on the track. Even though the 911 GT3 RS is faster in the end, both machines are a work of art, and will provide you with the ultimate driving experience. Just make sure you keep the racing on the track!

After having a share in making and designing luxury sports cars in Aston Martin, Henry Fisker and Bernhard Koehler left in 2005 with aspects of having their own automotive company. Later in 2007, the two co-founded the Fisker automotive company with investments from Gianofranco Pizzuto and Palo Alto. Due to the emerging issues of car pollution to the environment most of the big names in car manufacturing had announced they would compete to make a premium green car. Fisker automotive wasn’t left behind.

Fisker Karma, the very first product of Fisker Automotive was one of the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, was unveiled in 2008. Fisker had planned to start selling the Karma by the end of 2009 but the delays by the Environmental protection agency to certify the cars emission and drive range made them wait till after October 2011. The car was to be a high-volume vehicle with a low price in order to compete with the Tesla model.

The Fisker automotive received a 529-million-dollar conditional loan in 2009 from the Department of Energy even though 196 million dollars was what they had requested. They later bought a general motors plant in Delaware with plans to manufacture a cheaper model in the U.S. The loan received major scrutiny for being awarded to the luxury vehicle manufacturer that was too expensive for general public. After failing its initial launch date, the Karma hit the market with numerous production flaws. They failed to produce the self-imposed goal of shipping 7000 cars and in turn produced only 1500. Also, it had prospects that the Karma edition would get 67.2 MP-Ge/50 miles of the electric range but the environmental protection company rated the Karma with 52MPGe and 32 miles of electric range.

The Fisker Karma failed to reach the set expectations and the government froze its credit line, after this backlash the problems just continued to pile up. Another red alert was in December 2011, when some 239 cars were recalled since they had a risk of battery fire caused by a coolant leak. There was a change in the administration in 2012, when Tom LaSorda was named CEO only to be replaced six months later by Tony Posawatz as a step to revive the struggling company. The production was shut down in July 2012 until enough funds could be raised. In October the same year, the company suffered another setback when Hurricane Sandy flooded and destroyed its entire European shipment of 338 Karmas at port Newark, New Jersey.

The fail of Fisker Automotive brought with it down the A123 Systems LLC since they couldn’t pay for the supply of batteries from the company leading to its bankruptcy filing. In march 2013 Henry Fisker resigned and the following month saw the company lay off 75% of its workforce without notice which landed the company a federal lawsuit for not giving an advance notice of dismissal. The company finally filed for bankruptcy in November 22, 2013 which thereafter led to the auctioning of the company. Wanxiang got the court approval on February 18, 2014 and bought the assets with a bid of 149.2 million dollars.